Meet Renee Huff

We were lucky to catch up with Renee Huff recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Renee , appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

My journey into the horror festival world comes from a place of pushing through doubt and carving my own path. Growing up, my mom would often say, ‘Stop dreaming and be practical.’ It’s a phrase that stuck with me, but not in the way she intended. I never considered myself practical or someone who fit into the norm, and I found that I had to go against the grain in many ways to make things happen. I’ve always had to forge my own way forward, and it’s that experience of constantly learning, growing, and pushing forward that helped shape the festival.

It’s often in the valley, when people discredit you, when they don’t believe in you, that you build the resilience to believe in yourself. For me, this festival is a reflection of that journey. It teaches me to persevere even when the path isn’t clear or easy. It’s about pushing through no matter how many times you’re sidelined or told it’s impossible. I want to show others that there’s always a way, even if no one else can see it

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Haunted House FearFest is a one-of-a-kind festival that blends the chilling world of horror films with interactive experiences and video games, creating a truly immersive event for fans of the genre. What makes it special is my commitment to celebrating not only the thrill of horror but also the creativity and innovation that go into both film and video game storytelling. I’m dedicated to showcasing voices and talent that often go underrepresented in the industry, especially women in the fields of filmmaking, game development, makeup artistry, and stunt work. It’s important to me that we create a platform where these women can shine, bringing fresh perspectives and incredible talent to the forefront.

What excites me most is how the festival grows each year. It’s about pushing boundaries and bringing new, fresh experiences to the table. I focus on expanding our inclusivity, with an emphasis on amplifying female filmmakers, game developers, makeup artists, stuntwomen to name a few. These women are often overlooked in the horror industry, and I want to make sure they have the space and recognition they deserve.

What I’d really love for folks to know is that this festival is more than just a collection of films and games; it’s a celebration of resilience, creativity, and passion. It’s a space where horror enthusiasts and creators alike can come together to be inspired and, most importantly, have a great time. I’m building a community where everyone who shares a love for the genre can find a home. And as the festival continues to grow, I can’t wait to bring even more unique, immersive events to the festival for our audience, with a focus on elevating the voices of women who are making a difference in the world of horror.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, I’d say that the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are my marketing experience, my ability to think outside of the box, and my belief in myself. Working at major studios, TV companies, and a publishing company gave me invaluable insight into what it takes to reach and engage audiences. It also taught me how to navigate large-scale projects and handle the creative side of things, but it was really the marketing experience that helped me approach things from a unique perspective. I learned how to get things done in ways that aren’t always conventional or what the mainstream might be thinking, which has been key in pushing the boundaries of what I’m doing with my festival.

Thinking outside the box has also been crucial. It allows me to approach obstacles creatively and find avenues to achieve goals that others may not consider. It’s about looking at challenges as opportunities to innovate.

The third quality is my belief in myself, especially when it comes to entertaining people with horror. There’s always doubt when you start something new, but believing in what you’re creating—whether it’s a film, event, or experience—is what gets you through the tough times and helps you stay focused on the bigger picture.

For those early in their journey, my advice is to lean into your unique strengths. Don’t be afraid to push past conventional thinking and trust your instincts. Marketing and business experience are invaluable, but developing your own voice and perspective is equally important. Keep building your belief in yourself, because in the end, that’s what will carry you through when things get tough. The more you cultivate those skills, the more you’ll be able to see and seize opportunities that others might miss.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes, I am absolutely looking to collaborate with forward-thinking film studios, gaming studios, publishing houses, and TV studios that are pushing the boundaries of storytelling. I’m particularly interested in working with those who are not afraid to challenge the mainstream and are focused on creating unique, diverse, and unconventional narratives. I believe that fresh perspectives, whether in the form of innovative storytelling or casting choices, are what truly elevate the horror and entertainment genres.

If you’re a studio or publisher that values creativity and is eager to be part of something that is breaking new ground, I would love to connect. I’m looking to work with like-minded partners who want to bring bold, distinctive projects to the forefront—whether that’s through film, TV, video games or publishing initiatives.

The best way to reach me for collaboration is through my festival’s official website or via email. You can also find me on social media, where I’m always sharing updates and engaging with the creative community. If you’re passionate about pushing boundaries and expanding the horizon of what’s possible in horror, let’s connect and see how we can create something truly special together.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Photo Credit: Joe Sinnott

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